Design Diversion: Kelley's Living Room

Sensing you were all sick of seeing my house over and over, I have a diversion to post about.

See that button at the left hand side? Ive gotten a few questions here and there about some of your spaces but they were usually pretty specific and quick answers. Well, Kelly was the first to really take me up on my offer and sent me her living room with an open ended question of what to do.

As anyone who follows me knows, I can't accessorize to save my life so I won't pretend I have any pearls of wisdom to share there. (There are other bloggers like bryn alexandra that do an amazing job of putting together inspiration boards that are more focused on the items to put in the room. If anyone wants to send me an inspiration board to help me with my accessory disability, I could really use it!)

On the other hand, I feel pretty comfortable with architectural details and space planning so I figured I'd give it a go. She said the couch and the tv had to stay. So aside from adding some architectural personality, balancing these large pieces is the challenge.

Here is what I came up with:

As you can see, I suggested adding some linear enforcement here with molding, panels and a built in to balance the room. A little bit of a build but it will add so much personality in here. For colors, I just turned up the existing scheme a notch with a slightly darker base color, a significantly darker accent and pale trim. That will really make all of those molding pop. A geometric patterned rug to add some modernity to the transitional furniture without costing too much. And then to add a little bit of softness, a round upholstered coffee table and some dramatic to the ceiling draperies. She already has the right idea by putting up family photos on the wall - it just needs to be made a bit bigger, closer and consistent to polish up the entire space.

32 comments:

Mrs. Lime - I think this is brilliant!! I too would love to have you look at my layout and share it on your blog. Please let me know if you're ok with that. I'd be happy to pay! I love your style and your work and really need help in that area.

I'm salivating over your ideas and just the way you were able to do a design overlay! I got some help from someone once for a space I didn't like and I thought it was so lame and like she just phoned it in. I may need to retain your services!!!

Thanks! I 'drew' on top of the photos using Photoshop. It would have probably been easier to just draw by hand but I hate scanning things :) As you can tell, I can use work on my perspective skills but I think the general idea is conveyed despite my lack of panache.

Wonderful, the leather couches have that "Library" or "Studious" look and I would love to see some books and some softness, as much as I love geometry. Think of the room in a "British" sort of way, I know you have tons of photos from your trip to London. It could look very "clubby" which I find appealing. pve

You are super talented and should really consider becoming a designer full time. I love the Jonathan Adler rug! I can't wait to see the finished room. I do design boards for clients with accesories let me know if you would like my help. Stop by when you have a chance, a new City Escapes Series is up today.

Love this idea board! Great work!I actually have a question for you: I love that Ikea desk you have in your office, and would like to do a little write up about it in my blog. I wanted to make sure it was OK if I used your office picture and linked it back to your blogThanks!Leslie

You're amazing! I love the way that you put an overlay of the existing space. That's such a helpful trick, and really shows what things will look like in the room! I just came across your blog, and am really enjoying it (so thanks!). Now, can I send you photos of my entire house?

HEY!!! I was away last week on vacation to Montauk and decided to check out your site today for the heck of it!!!!

There's my living room!!!! I told you how much I loved your changes in writing, but to see them in "reality" like this is awesome!

I've already made some changes and I like one of your readers comments about the benj moore rockport grey!!!

Remember all the toys I told you I took out for the photo? Well, I got these two adorable storage ottomans that can double as seating to help in that regard...

I absolutely LOVE your presentation and hope this does turn into a side biz for you!!! You were always so quick to respond to my questions and "mania..." For that I thank you, and I will definately submit the final shots!!!